Supreme Court Faces Challenge Over USPS Mail-In Voting Plan

An election worker in Industry, California, processed mail-in ballots in June, as photographed by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.

The Trump administration has approached the Supreme Court to remove a temporary block on a plan by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) concerning mail-in voting restrictions in the upcoming midterm election. For now, parts of the plan remain blocked by a federal judge’s restraining order in Boston.

Current Status of Mail-In Voting for Midterms

The USPS plan has not directly impacted mail-in voting for the midterms. Key components are blocked, allowing eligible voters to continue using mail-in ballots, with USPS committed to delivering these ballots as usual.

Potential Changes from the USPS Plan

The proposed changes by USPS would require state election officials to provide voter names and addresses, along with specific barcodes on ballot envelopes. USPS stated it would not deliver ballots from election officials who don’t comply. However, this is currently suspended due to the court order.

Upcoming Start for Mail-In Voting

The mail-in voting season for midterms begins with North Carolina mailing absentee ballots on Friday. Other states will follow, sending ballots later this month.

Feasibility of the USPS Plan Implementation

Experts argue it’s too late for the USPS plan to be applied without significant issues. A whistleblower report suggests that USPS hasn’t properly tested the system for gathering voter information. Additionally, verification policies for ballot envelopes may prevent timely ballot delivery to voters.

Legal Debates Surrounding the USPS Plan

Following a March executive order from President Trump aimed at curbing illegal voting by non-citizens, USPS created this plan. Though evidence shows such incidents are rare, USPS claims its regulations intend to standardize mail processes. Opponents argue that USPS lacks legal authority over mail-in voting procedures.

Supreme Court’s Involvement

In August, the Supreme Court addressed a procedural element of one lawsuit related to Trump’s order. To date, it has not made a decision regarding the plan’s legality or Trump’s order overall.